The Jets’ $50 million man and No. 1 draft pick stepped up behind the Jets’ starting offensive line and placed his hands under center Nick Mangold’s back side and began calling signals with the first-team offense.

For the first time since he was drafted, Sanchez was the full-fledged No. 1 quarterback for the Jets, taking snaps with the first-team offense.

Technically, it was — at least for the moment — one practice (Kellen Clemens took snaps with the first team in the afternoon), but it was one giant step toward a potentially bright future for both Sanchez and the Jets.

Though coach Rex Ryan yesterday made it clear that Clemens would start Friday’s preseason opener against the Rams, understand this: If Sanchez continues to progress the way he did in Thursday’s scrimmage and yesterday’s morning practice, it’s difficult to see Clemens preventing him from starting in the season opener next month.

Sanchez, coming off the strong scrimmage performance, completed 10 of 19 passes in 11-on-11 drills, including two touchdowns and an interception.

But it was less the statistics that made him stand out than the way he conducted himself and the team.

“He showed a lot of confidence and a lot of poise in the huddle, which is really surprising for a rookie,” Jets WR Chansi Stuckey, who caught a 20-yard touchdown pass from him yesterday, said. “He really took command and led us down the field.”

Sanchez got the morning started with a 40-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery, who beat cornerback Darrelle Revis.

“I felt a real good chemistry in the huddle,” Sanchez said. “I felt when I was calling the plays the guys were feeling me and feeling my sense of urgency.”

Clemens (3-of-12, one interception in the morning) didn’t really assert himself with the backups, throwing the pick to CB Donald Strickland while trying to force a sideline pass to wide receiver David Clowney. It was the seventh interception Clemens has thrown in 11 practices this camp in 11-on-11 drills. Sanchez has thrown just three interceptions in 11-on-11s.

Ryan, though, said he wasn’t unhappy with Clemens’ performance.

“Kellen is doing well,” he said. “Does he wish he had a couple throws back? Sure. But I think everybody does.

“With Sanchez getting more reps with the ones, it’s not based on Kellen’s performance. It’s based on Mark’s performance. Kellen knows. I mentioned right away after we drafted Mark, ‘You knew you would have to compete against somebody.’

“So, it doesn’t matter who it is. To win that job, you’ve got to compete against somebody. That hasn’t changed.”

Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer told the players in a Friday night meeting what the rotation would be.

“I couldn’t even sleep,” Sanchez said. “It was awesome. I think I really took advantage of those reps and obviously, I was very excited to be with them.”

The reviews from the veterans were favorable toward their potential No. 1 quarterback.

“The rook doesn’t make the same mistake twice. He throws a solid ball and he gets the ball out of his hands quick,” linebacker Bart Scott said.

Asked if Sanchez can handle being a rookie starter, Revis said, “Yeah. We drafted him fifth overall for a reason. He’s handling it well. He’s moving the offense. He’s being a captain. He’s being a leader. He has a lot of poise, he’s relaxed, he has a lot of leadership, he comes from a top program.